Duke’s standout freshman, Cooper Flagg, has officially thrown his name into the hat for the 2025 NBA Draft, and he shared the news via a heartfelt video on social media. In a message filled with gratitude, Flagg reflected on his incredible journey at Duke, stating, “It was an incredible year, probably the best year of my life, and I have so much gratitude and feel so blessed for all the opportunities that I was given. Duke has always been a dream for me, but I’m excited to announce that I’ll be entering my name into the 2025 NBA Draft.” He emphasized the bond he formed with his teammates and the Duke community, noting, “Today is just the beginning, but I have the Brotherhood with me for life.”
This announcement comes as no surprise to basketball enthusiasts, as Flagg has long been projected as the frontrunner for the top pick in the upcoming draft after reclassifying in August 2023. Standing tall at 6-foot-9, Flagg made an immediate impact during his freshman campaign, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. His contributions not only led the Blue Devils to a stellar 35-4 record but also propelled them to the Final Four, showcasing his ability to shine on the biggest stages.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised Flagg’s remarkable season, stating, “I think the accolades speak for themselves, with what he did, winning every National Player of the Year award.” He elaborated on Flagg’s versatility and impact, emphasizing that the freshman’s influence extended beyond numbers, highlighting his leadership and teammates’ respect. “Cooper did an incredible job in every facet of our program, on and off the court,” Scheyer remarked, capturing the essence of what makes Flagg so special.
While Flagg initially lived up to the high expectations during nonconference play, he truly found his rhythm when conference action began in January. In that pivotal month, he averaged an impressive 25.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, showcasing his incredible shooting touch with a 57.9% shooting percentage from the field and an impressive 42.9% from beyond the arc. His standout moment came against Notre Dame, where he etched his name in the ACC record books with a sensational 42-point performance, alongside 6 rebounds and 7 assists, all while leading his team to victory.
Despite facing a setback with an ankle injury during the ACC tournament, Flagg bounced back in style throughout the NCAA tournament, including a noteworthy outing where he poured in 30 points, along with 6 rebounds and 7 assists, in a Sweet 16 matchup against Arizona. His consistency and resilience have solidified his status as a remarkable talent, making him a fantastic prospect for the NBA.
Earning the consensus title of National Player of the Year and joining an elite group as only the fourth freshman to win the Wooden Award, Flagg has undoubtedly left a lasting mark during his time at Duke. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on him as he sets his sights on the next stage of his basketball journey. The anticipation for Cooper Flagg in the NBA is already building, and he’s ready to seize the opportunities that await.
